Abu Dhabi's packing challenge isn't really the heat outside — it's the swing between that heat and heavily air-conditioned interiors.
Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat, a light layer (cardigan, shawl or jacket) for aggressively air-conditioned malls, restaurants and cars, comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking the Corniche or attraction queues, and strong sun protection — sunglasses, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Add one modest outfit covering shoulders and knees for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan, plus a scarf for women visiting the mosque's prayer hall, even if the rest of your wardrobe is more relaxed resort-wear.
Visiting in the winter travel season (November–March)? Pack a proper light jacket or sweater for breezy evenings, which can be genuinely cool after sunset. Visiting in summer? Prioritise moisture-wicking fabrics and consider packing less overall — you'll be moving between air-conditioned spaces by car more than walking outdoors.
A reusable water bottle (tap water is generally safe, and refill points are common in malls and hotels), a portable phone charger for long theme-park days, and swimwear even for a primarily culture-focused trip — most hotels have a pool worth using after a hot day of sightseeing.
